Radiotherapy and treatment of cervical cancer – sexuality implications

Abstract

Introduction

Cancer of the uterine cervix represents 10% of malignant tumors affecting women. Despite occupying fifth place in the global mortality rate it is described with the highest healing potential. One of the most used treatments is radiotherapy, which has a particularly significant impact on women's quality of life, especially in their sexuality. Biological and psychic factors are suggested as possible etiologies for sexual dysfunction situations. Changes in body image may arouse feelings of shame and low self-esteem. In what concerns biology, vaginal stenosis is referred as a cause of vaginism and vaginal bleeding, with consequent decrease in libido and pleasure.

Objective

Describe the implications in the sexuality of women with cancer of the uterine cervix after radiotherapy.

Methods

A literature search using the PubMed and Scielo databases of scientific articles published in the last 10 years.

Results

In the literature, there are significant changes in sexual behavior in women with cervical cancer in the period after radiotherapy. A large percentage reveals sexual abstinence and an equally significant part presents sexual dysfunction caused by lack of lubrication, arousal and orgasm. Moreover, it is reported decreased libido and sexual pleasure, vaginal bleeding and vaginism. On the other hand, there is a small account of cases in which it is mentioned increase libido and pleasure.

Conclusion

Despite the high probability of healing this disease, the patients’ quality of life after advanced stages of radiotherapy, should be a source of concern, especially with regard to sexuality.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.